California Athletics Hall of Famer and former Golden Bear rugby standout, Ray Lehner, was named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Craig Sweeney Award. The award, presented by the US Rugby Foundation recognizes a past capped United States National Team member who is highly respected by the rugby community and, importantly, has given back to the sport following his playing days.
 
Lehner was both an exceptional player and leader during his time at Cal. He served as the Bears' team captain and led Cal to three consecutive national championships in 1991, 1992 and 1993. Additionally, he was a three-time All-American in his collegiate career.
 
After graduating from Cal with a degree in political science, Lehner pursued his master's degree at Oxford and earned four Blues for his time on the pitch at the iconic Twickenham Stadium from 1997 to 2001.
 
In his professional rugby career, Lehner made his first appearance on the U.S. National Team in 1995 and went on to be capped 37 times as a USA Eagle, including at the 1999 Rugby World Cup. His Eagles debut came during a memorable 15-14 win over Canada in Markham, Ontario.
 
Lehner's rugby career extended beyond his time spent on the pitch as he got his start in coaching while still playing on the international circuits. He joined the Bears' staff as an assistant coach from 1994-96 and again from 2002-04. Lehner also had stints on staffs with the USA U20s (2009-10), Collegiate All-American South Africa Tour (2003), San Francisco Olympic Club (2003-23) and Oxford University women's club (1998-2001) and currently serves as head of the program for the Lamorinda Rugby Club and the Bishop O'Dowd High School team.
 
A testament to his dedication to both the game and educational aspirations, Lehner has taught Civics & Economics at Bishop O'Dowd High School since 2002 and in 2010, founded the boys' and girls' rugby programs.
 
Lehner is the fifth Cal rugby alumnus to have the award bestowed upon him, including current Cal head coach Jack Clark and associate head coach Tom Billups.
 
"Raymond continues to make such an outstanding contribution to U.S. rugby," Clark said. "Our sport is fortunate to have an individual of his character and abilities."
 
Lehner was honored at the recent US Rugby Foundation Gala on July 18 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C. Fellow Cal Athletics Hall of Famer Kort Schubert was also recognized at the event as a 2025 inductee into the U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame.
 
STAY POSTED 
For complete coverage of Cal rugby, please follow the Bears on X/Twitter (@CalVarsityRugby), Instagram (@CalVarsityRugby) and Facebook (/CalVarsityRugby)